Gotta agree on the Ruanna! Sharpened my neighbors knife before going bear hunting, he told me he was given the knife almost 30 years ago and it meant a lot to him. It was a little beaten up but it took a fearsome edge and still holds it very well.
Still razor sharp after skinning a 425# black bear.

I'm due for a new skinning knife. The knife will be used mostly for whitetails and black bear. In that I am not skilled at sharpening a knife, I would prefer a quality knife that holds its blade well. A gut hook on the reverse edge isn't needed but would be ok if its on the model that you'd recommend.

What do you guys suggest?

Best buy for the buck (no pun intended) try Outdoor Edge they also have skinning videos that are outstanding and their knives really keep their edge.